Withersworldwide have been acting for successful individuals, families and institutions for over 100 years. We advise clients on their business and personal legal needs both at home and abroad. In this fast moving and increasingly regulated world the need for integrated and timely advice has never been more urgent.

We are recognised as the only international law firm for successful people, their families, their businesses and their philanthropic work. With offices in Europe, Asia, the United States and the Caribbean we provide coverage that other law firms focussed on the individual cannot. We continually look for opportunities to ensure we are based in the same locations as our clients and their wealth. We have represented 51% of the Top-100 ‘Sunday Times Rich List’, as well as a significant number of people listed in the US (Forbes) and Asian (Hurun) Rich Lists.

The firm consists of three global legal Divisions: Business; Dispute Resolution and Private Client & Tax. Each Division is headed by a Divisional CEO and Divisional Operating Officer. There is also an overarching CEO of the global firm

The Department

We have worked with clients from Russia, the Ukraine and the CIS region for over 25 years. The team provides a full range of legal services to clients, from corporate, tax, wealth and estate planning, dispute resolution, international arbitration, public international law, immigration and real estate advice. We are able to present our advice in Russian, thanks to a large number of native or fluent Russian speakers.

The Role

An exceptional opportunity now exists to join the firm's international arbitration team. We are seeking a charismatic and ambitious junior associate and this opportunity would suit a talented associate with experience in investment treaty arbitration. The role will focus on all aspects of Litigation and Arbitration work with numerous opportunities to work in two languages, including managing a variety of caseloads:

Assisting with international investment treaty and commercial arbitrations, as well as public international law

Assisting with the preparation of fee estimates and pitches

Drafting, reviewing and amending materials and documents such as witness statements, pleadings and briefings

Working on both English and Russian or Ukrainian key legal documents for clients and counsel

Assisting in carrying amendments through into documents and proof reading

Conducting legal and business research

Meeting clients and ideally working with them both in English and in Russian or Ukrainian as required

Proven business development skills are required as a key part of the role will be to develop our existing client base in the region. This role will involve regular visits to Russia, Ukraine or CIS and participating and speaking at client seminars and events abroad and in the UK.

Skills and experience required

Key skills and experience

Candidates should be admitted to practice in England & Wales

The successful candidate will have excellent written communication and drafting skills, as well as the ability to demonstrate initiative.

As a successful Litigation Associate, you will be analytical and extremely organised. Candidates will need to be fluent in Russian. Fluency in Ukrainian would be an advantage.

You will be well versed in Commercial Arbitration and public international law and have experience across a variety of cases and courts, as well as advising clients in International arbitration disputes.

Desirable experience

Ukrainian language capabilities

Experience working in a Russian law firm or for a Russian/Ukrainian speaking client.